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B1 adverb 10 min read

보통으로

botongeuro
Examples
Explanation 보통으로 in your Level:
At the absolute beginner level (A1), learners are introduced to the most basic and essential survival vocabulary. While 보통으로 might seem a bit long, it is crucial for one specific, highly practical reason: ordering food. In Korea, eating out is a massive part of the culture, and knowing how to order your meal exactly how you want it is a primary goal for A1 students. At this stage, learners are taught that 보통 means regular or normal, and they memorize the phrase 보통으로 주세요 (Please give me the regular size) as a fixed chunk of language. They do not need to deeply analyze the grammar of the 으로 particle just yet; rather, they learn it as a practical tool to avoid accidentally ordering a massive bowl of spicy noodles that they cannot finish. Teachers at this level emphasize pronunciation, ensuring students can clearly articulate the four syllables bo-tong-eu-ro. In addition to food, A1 learners might use it in very simple sentences to describe themselves, such as saying their height or weight is average, though this is less common than the restaurant context. The focus remains strictly on immediate, practical application in daily life scenarios that a tourist or a new resident would encounter during their first few weeks in South Korea. By mastering this single phrase, A1 learners gain confidence in interacting with shop owners and restaurant staff, which is a significant milestone in their language learning journey.
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As learners progress to the elementary level (A2), their understanding of Korean sentence structure begins to expand significantly. At this stage, they are no longer just memorizing fixed phrases; they are starting to understand how particles function. They learn that the particle 으로 attached to the noun 보통 transforms it into an adverbial phrase meaning in a normal way or as a normal standard. A2 students begin to use 보통으로 in a wider variety of contexts beyond just ordering food. They start applying it to daily routines, hobbies, and simple descriptions of states. For example, they might say they did their homework normally, or that the weather is normally cold for this time of year. Teachers introduce the concept of placing adverbs directly before the verbs they modify, helping students build more complex and descriptive sentences. Furthermore, A2 learners start to contrast 보통으로 with its opposites, such as 특별히 (specially) or 많이 (a lot). This comparative learning helps solidify the meaning of the word. They also practice listening comprehension, tuning their ears to catch this word in casual conversations, such as when a friend describes a movie as just average. By the end of the A2 level, students are comfortable using the word to express moderation and standard levels in their everyday spoken and written Korean.
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At the intermediate level (B1), which is the designated level for this specific vocabulary word, learners are expected to have a firm grasp of its multifaceted uses. Students at this stage understand the nuanced difference between expressing frequency (usually) and expressing manner (normally/averagely). They can confidently explain that while 보통은 is used to say 'I usually drink coffee', 보통으로 is used to say 'Make my coffee a regular size' or 'He lives an ordinary life'. B1 learners actively use this word to describe abstract concepts, such as lifestyle choices, work performance, and societal expectations. They can engage in discussions about what constitutes a normal life in their home country versus in South Korea. In writing, they use it to add precision to their narratives, ensuring that actions are described with accurate adverbs. Teachers at this level often challenge students to correct common mistakes, such as redundant modifiers, ensuring that their sentences sound natural rather than directly translated from English. B1 students also encounter this word frequently in authentic materials, such as Korean dramas, vlogs, and webtoons, where characters discuss their ordinary lives or order food in realistic settings. Mastery at this level means the learner can use the word spontaneously, accurately, and in culturally appropriate contexts without hesitation.
Reaching the upper-intermediate level (B2) means the learner is refining their language skills to sound more native-like and sophisticated. At this stage, the usage of 보통으로 becomes second nature, and the focus shifts to understanding its subtle connotations and selecting appropriate synonyms based on context. B2 students learn to distinguish between 보통으로 (normally/averagely), 평범하게 (ordinarily/unremarkably), and 무난하게 (safely/acceptably). They understand that while these words overlap, choosing the right one can completely change the tone of a sentence. In professional or academic contexts, they might opt for 일반적으로 (generally) instead of 보통으로 to sound more formal. B2 learners can understand complex dialogues where the word is used sarcastically or idiomatically, such as describing a situation that is anything but normal. They also practice using it in complex grammatical structures, such as reported speech or conditional sentences. For instance, they can say, 'If you just do it normally, you won't have any problems.' Writing tasks at this level require students to express their opinions on societal norms, where they frequently employ this vocabulary to discuss the pressure to conform to an average standard in modern society. The word becomes a tool for expressing cultural observations and personal philosophies rather than just a functional word for daily tasks.
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Advanced learners at the C1 level possess a near-native command of the language, and their use of 보통으로 reflects a deep understanding of Korean culture and sociolinguistics. At this level, the word is used effortlessly in highly abstract and complex discussions. C1 students can read literature, news articles, and opinion pieces where the concept of the normal or the average is analyzed critically. They understand the historical and cultural context behind the Korean desire to live a 보통의 삶 (an ordinary life) and can articulate these concepts fluently. They use the adverbial form 보통으로 to describe statistical averages, economic trends, and psychological baselines in formal presentations and debates. Furthermore, C1 learners are adept at recognizing and using the word in various regional dialects or colloquial registers, understanding how its pronunciation or usage might slightly shift depending on the speaker's background. They can play with the language, using the word in creative writing to juxtapose the mundane with the extraordinary. At this stage, errors in using the word are virtually non-existent, and the focus is entirely on stylistic choices, ensuring that the rhythm and flow of their sentences perfectly mimic those of a highly educated native speaker. They can also explain the grammatical intricacies of the word to lower-level learners with ease.
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At the mastery level (C2), the learner's proficiency is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native Korean speaker. The word 보통으로 is fully integrated into their extensive vocabulary, used with absolute precision in any conceivable context, from casual banter to academic treatises. C2 users understand the deepest philosophical and sociological implications of the word within Korean society, such as the inherent pressure of the 'average' and how deviating from the 'normal' is perceived. They can easily navigate classic and contemporary Korean literature where the concept of normalcy is a central theme, analyzing how authors use words like 보통으로 to build character and setting. In their own production, whether delivering a keynote speech, writing a professional report, or participating in a heated debate, they deploy the word and its synonyms with perfect stylistic appropriateness. They can effortlessly switch between registers, knowing exactly when to use a colloquial phrase versus a highly formal equivalent. At this pinnacle of language learning, words are no longer just tools for communication; they are instruments of art and persuasion. The C2 learner appreciates the elegant simplicity of a basic word like 보통으로 and knows how to use it to ground complex ideas, making their Korean not only correct but profoundly natural and culturally resonant.
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Examples
The Korean vocabulary word 보통으로 is an incredibly versatile and frequently used adverb that translates to normally, ordinarily, averagely, or as a regular size in the English language. When you break down this word, it consists of the noun 보통, which means normal, average, or regular, and the particle 으로, which functions as a directional or instrumental marker that in this context translates to as or in the manner of. Therefore, when combined, they form an adverbial phrase that describes an action being done in a normal way, or a state being at an average level. Understanding this word is essential for anyone learning Korean because it appears in a wide variety of daily situations, from ordering food at a restaurant to describing a person's lifestyle or appearance. Let us look at some specific contexts where this word shines.
Food Ordering Context
In Korean restaurants, especially those serving noodles like Jajangmyeon or cold noodles, portions are often divided into regular and large. You use this word to specify you want the regular size.

사장님, 여기 짜장면 보통으로 주세요.

Beyond the dining table, it is used to describe how someone lives their life or how something is done without any special or extreme characteristics. For example, if someone asks how you are doing, you might say you are living normally.
Lifestyle Context
Describing a life that is neither exceptionally luxurious nor terribly difficult, just an average, everyday existence.

저는 그저 보통으로 살고 싶어요.

It is fascinating how the concept of normalcy is deeply embedded in Korean culture. The desire to blend in, to not stand out too much, and to achieve an average standard of living is a common sentiment. Thus, doing things normally carries a connotation of safety, stability, and peace.
Appearance Context
When evaluating someone's physical appearance or the quality of an object, it means it is neither exceptionally beautiful nor ugly, just average.

그 영화는 보통으로 재미있었어요.

You will also hear this in professional settings. When a manager asks how a project is proceeding, an employee might respond that it is progressing normally, meaning there are no major hiccups or extraordinary breakthroughs.

모든 일이 보통으로 진행되고 있습니다.

The grammatical flexibility of this term allows it to modify verbs of action, verbs of state, and even other descriptive phrases. It is a cornerstone of intermediate Korean vocabulary because it bridges the gap between basic adjectives and complex descriptive clauses. By mastering this word, you unlock the ability to express nuance, moderation, and the middle ground, which is a critical aspect of fluent communication.

머리를 보통으로 잘라 주세요.

In a hair salon, asking the hairdresser to cut your hair normally means you do not want anything extreme, just a standard trim. This simple adverb saves you from having to explain complex styling instructions when all you desire is a standard look. Overall, it is an indispensable tool for everyday Korean life.
Using the word 보통으로 in a sentence requires a solid understanding of Korean sentence structure, specifically how adverbs interact with verbs and adjectives. In Korean, adverbs are typically placed immediately before the verb or adjective they modify, although they can sometimes be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. Because it ends in the particle 으로, it clearly functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the manner or method in which an action is performed. Let us explore the syntactical rules and common patterns you will encounter.
Modifying Action Verbs
When placed before an action verb, it describes the way the action is carried out. It means the action is done in a standard, unremarkable, or average manner.

그는 매일 보통으로 밥을 먹는다.

Another very common structure is using it with the verb 하다, which means to do. When you say 보통으로 하다, you are telling someone to do something in a normal way, without overcomplicating it or putting in excessive effort.
With the Verb 하다
This combination is often used as a request or an instruction to maintain the status quo or to avoid extremes.

너무 무리하지 말고 그냥 보통으로 하세요.

You can also use it when comparing things. While it is not a comparative word itself, it establishes the baseline against which other things are measured. If something is done normally, it is the standard.
Establishing a Baseline
It sets the expectation of what is considered average in a given context, allowing for clear communication of standards.

시험 난이도는 보통으로 출제되었습니다.

It is also crucial to understand its usage in negative sentences. When you say something is not done normally, it usually implies it is done exceptionally well or exceptionally poorly, depending on the context.

이 문제는 보통으로 해결할 수 없습니다.

This means the problem cannot be solved in a normal way, implying that a special or extraordinary approach is required. Furthermore, when ordering items, specifically food or services, the structure is Noun + 보통으로 + 주세요 (Please give me Noun as a regular size).

아메리카노 보통으로 한 잔 주세요.

This specific formula is one of the most practical applications of the word for travelers and beginners. By mastering these sentence patterns, you ensure that your Korean sounds natural, polite, and precisely conveys your intention without overstating or understating the situation.
To truly master a language, you must know not just what a word means, but where and when native speakers actually use it in their daily lives. The word 보통으로 is ubiquitous in South Korea, echoing through the streets, restaurants, workplaces, and homes. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in any traditional Korean restaurant, particularly Chinese-Korean restaurants. When you walk into a place that serves Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) or Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), the menu often has two sizes: regular and large (곱빼기).
At the Restaurant
Waiters will often ask you if you want the regular size or the large size. You will reply using this exact adverbial phrase.

손님, 짜장면은 보통으로 드릴까요, 곱빼기로 드릴까요?

Another frequent location is the hair salon or barbershop. When the stylist asks how you would like your hair cut, and you do not want to follow the latest radical trend, you rely on this word to communicate your desire for a standard, conservative trim.
At the Hair Salon
It conveys a sense of wanting something standard, not too short, not too long, just the usual acceptable style.

앞머리는 너무 짧지 않게 보통으로 잘라주세요.

You will also encounter this word frequently in hospitals or during health checkups. Doctors and nurses use it to describe test results that fall within the normal, healthy range. Hearing this word from a medical professional brings a sigh of relief.
At the Hospital
Medical staff use it to indicate that your vital signs, blood pressure, or test results are average and not a cause for concern.

환자분의 혈압은 보통으로 유지되고 있습니다.

In the workplace, during performance reviews or casual conversations about workload, employees use this word to describe a manageable amount of work or an average level of performance. It is a humble way to speak about one's achievements without bragging.

이번 달 실적은 보통으로 나왔습니다.

Finally, in casual conversations among friends discussing their weekend plans, dating lives, or general feelings, this word is the ultimate filler for when things are just okay. It perfectly encapsulates the mundane yet comforting reality of everyday life.

주말에는 그냥 보통으로 집에서 쉬었어요.

By recognizing these contexts, you will not only understand the literal translation of the word but also the cultural weight and the specific situations where it is the most appropriate choice of vocabulary.
When learning Korean, English speakers often struggle with the subtle differences between words that translate to similar concepts in English. The word 보통으로 is no exception, and there are several common pitfalls that learners frequently fall into. The most prevalent mistake is confusing 보통으로 with 보통은. While both stem from the same root noun, their grammatical functions and meanings in a sentence are quite different. 보통은 uses the topic marker 은 and translates to usually or generally as a statement of frequency or general tendency. 보통으로 uses the directional/instrumental marker 으로 and translates to in a normal manner or as a regular size.
Confusing Frequency with Manner
Using the adverb of manner when you actually want to express how often something happens is a classic error.

Incorrect: 저는 보통으로 아침을 안 먹어요.

Another frequent mistake is using this word when trying to say something is normal in the sense of being natural or expected. In English, we might say 'It is normal to feel sad.' If you translate this directly using 보통으로, it sounds highly unnatural in Korean.
Misusing for 'Natural' or 'Expected'
Korean uses different words like 당연하다 (to be natural/expected) or 정상이다 (to be normal/healthy) for these concepts.

Incorrect: 슬픈 것은 보통으로 일이에요.

Additionally, learners sometimes redundantly stack adverbs. Because 보통 already implies an average state, combining it with words that mean very or extremely creates a contradictory and confusing sentence. You cannot do something very averagely in Korean without sounding awkward.
Contradictory Modifiers
Avoid pairing this word with intensifiers like 아주 (very) or 너무 (too much).

Incorrect: 그는 너무 보통으로 생겼어요.

To fix this, you should just say 그는 보통으로 생겼어요 (He looks average) or 그는 아주 평범하게 생겼어요 (He looks very ordinary). Finally, when ordering food, beginners sometimes forget the 으로 particle and just say 보통 주세요. While native speakers will understand this perfectly well, and it is acceptable in casual speech, learning to use the full phrase 보통으로 주세요 helps reinforce the grammatical structure of instrumental particles in your mind.

Correct: 라면 보통으로 끓여주세요.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Korean speech, ensuring that you use this essential vocabulary word exactly as a native speaker would.
The Korean language is rich with vocabulary that expresses nuances of normalcy, average states, and everyday routines. While 보통으로 is a fantastic and versatile word, expanding your vocabulary to include its synonyms and related terms will elevate your Korean to the next level. Depending on the exact context, whether you are writing an academic paper, speaking formally at work, or chatting with friends, you might want to choose an alternative word. Let us explore some of the most common similar words and how they differ from our main vocabulary word.
평범하게 (Ordinarily)
This word comes from the adjective 평범하다, which means plain, ordinary, or unremarkable. It is often used to describe people, lifestyles, or designs.

우리는 아주 평범하게 살고 있습니다.

Another excellent alternative is 일반적으로, which translates to generally or in general. This word is much more formal and is frequently used in news broadcasts, academic writing, and professional presentations to describe what is true for the majority of cases.
일반적으로 (Generally)
Use this when talking about statistics, societal norms, or general rules rather than personal choices or food sizes.

일반적으로 한국 사람들은 매운 음식을 좋아합니다.

If you want to express that something is done safely, without taking risks, or in a way that is acceptable to most people, the word 무난하게 is your best choice. It implies passing without difficulty or choosing the safe option.
무난하게 (Safely / Acceptably)
Often used when choosing clothes, making decisions, or passing exams without aiming for the absolute top score.

면접에서는 무난하게 대답하는 것이 좋습니다.

Lastly, if you are talking about frequency rather than manner, you should use 대개 (mostly/usually) or 주로 (mainly/mostly). These words replace the English translation of normally when it means usually.

저는 주로 버스를 타고 출근합니다.

Understanding these subtle distinctions empowers you to express yourself with precision. Instead of relying on a single word for every situation, you can select the exact term that captures the specific flavor of normalcy you wish to convey, making your Korean sound highly sophisticated and native-like.
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Examples by Level

1

짜장면 보통으로 주세요.

Please give me a regular size Jajangmyeon.

Noun + 보통으로 + 주세요 is the standard way to order a regular size.

2

커피 보통으로 주세요.

Please give me a regular coffee.

Used to specify size when ordering drinks.

3

맵기는 보통으로 해주세요.

Please make the spiciness regular (medium).

맵기 (spiciness) + 는 (topic) + 보통으로 (as regular) + 해주세요 (please make it).

4

저는 보통으로 먹어요.

I eat a normal amount.

Modifying the verb 먹다 (to eat).

5

설탕은 보통으로 넣어주세요.

Please put a normal amount of sugar.

Specifying the quantity of an ingredient.

6

사이즈는 보통으로 할게요.

I will do the regular size.

할게요 indicates the speaker's decision.

7

보통으로 생겼어요.

It looks normal/average.

생기다 is used here to mean 'to look like' or 'to appear'.

8

밥 보통으로 주세요.

Please give me a regular bowl of rice.

Simple noun + adverb + request verb structure.

1

숙제를 보통으로 끝냈어요.

I finished the homework normally (without issue).

Modifying the completion of a task.

2

오늘 날씨는 보통으로 추워요.

Today's weather is averagely cold.

Modifying an adjective (춥다) to indicate an average degree.

3

그 영화는 보통으로 재미있었어요.

That movie was averagely interesting (just okay).

Expressing a mediocre level of satisfaction.

4

머리를 보통으로 잘라 주세요.

Please cut my hair normally (regular trim).

Giving instructions for a service.

5

시험이 보통으로 어려웠어요.

The test was averagely difficult.

Describing the difficulty level of an event.

6

저는 보통으로 살고 싶어요.

I want to live normally (an ordinary life).

Expressing a life goal using 고 싶다 (want to).

7

특별한 일 없이 보통으로 지내요.

I am doing normally without any special events.

지내다 means to spend time or to live.

8

음악 소리를 보통으로 줄여주세요.

Please turn down the music volume to a normal level.

줄이다 means to reduce or turn down.

1

너무 무리하지 말고 그냥 보통으로 하세요.

Don't overdo it, just do it normally.

지 말고 means 'do not do [A] and do [B]'.

2

이 식당은 맛이 보통으로 괜찮은 편이에요.

This restaurant's taste is generally on the average, okay side.

은/는 편이다 means 'tends to be' or 'is on the side of'.

3

그의 성적은 반에서 보통으로 유지되고 있습니다.

His grades are being maintained at an average level in the class.

유지되다 is the passive form of maintain.

4

이번 프로젝트는 보통으로 진행되고 있어요.

This project is progressing normally.

진행되다 means to progress or proceed.

5

옷을 너무 튀지 않게 보통으로 입고 오세요.

Please dress normally so you don't stand out too much.

튀지 않게 means 'so as not to stand out'.

6

그 문제는 보통으로 생각하면 쉽게 풀릴 거예요.

If you think about that problem normally, it will be easily solved.

(으)면 is the conditional 'if' particle.

7

건강 검진 결과, 모든 수치가 보통으로 나왔습니다.

As a result of the health checkup, all numbers came out normal.

수치 refers to numerical values or medical levels.

8

우리는 그 사건을 그냥 보통으로 넘기기로 했어요.

We decided to just pass off that incident as normal.

기로 하다 means 'decided to do'.

1

현대 사회에서 보통으로 산다는 것은 생각보다 어려운 일입니다.

In modern society, living normally is harder than one thinks.

산다는 것 changes the verb into a noun phrase meaning 'the act of living'.

2

그는 위기 상황에서도 당황하지 않고 보통으로 대처했습니다.

Even in a crisis, he did not panic and coped with it normally.

대처하다 means to handle, cope with, or deal with.

3

이 제품은 품질이 보통으로 평가받고 있지만 가격이 저렴합니다.

This product is evaluated as having average quality, but the price is cheap.

평가받다 is the passive form of evaluate (to be evaluated).

4

예술가로서 보통으로 사고하는 틀에서 벗어나야 합니다.

As an artist, you must break out of the framework of thinking normally.

틀에서 벗어나다 means to break out of the mold or framework.

5

그녀의 피아노 연주 실력은 보통으로 볼 수준이 아니었어요.

Her piano playing skill was not at a level to be seen as average.

수준 means level or standard.

6

경제 성장률이 보통으로 회복될 때까지 시간이 걸릴 것입니다.

It will take time until the economic growth rate recovers to a normal level.

회복되다 means to recover or be restored.

7

사람들은 남들과 비슷하게 보통으로 행동하려는 경향이 있습니다.

People have a tendency to act normally, similar to others.

경향이 있다 means to have a tendency to.

8

이번 협상은 양측 모두 보통으로 만족할 만한 결과를 얻었습니다.

This negotiation achieved a result that both sides can be averagely satisfied with.

만족할 만한 means 'worthy of being satisfied with'.

1

한국 사회에 내재된 '보통으로 살기'의 압박감은 청년들에게 큰 스트레스로 작용합니다.

The pressure to 'live normally' inherent in Korean society acts as a major stressor for young adults.

내재된 means inherent or internalized.

2

통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 없으므로, 해당 변수는 보통으로 처리해도 무방합니다.

Since there is no statistically significant difference, it is fine to process the relevant variable normally.

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